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Michael Mayer Cashes In On Contract Extension
The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a three-year contract extension with tight end Michael Mayer that is reportedly worth $45 million, with $30 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. The $15 million per year ranks fourth among current tight ends, according to Rapoport. Mayer will slide into the starting lineup after Brock Bowers is set to miss 1-2 weeks this season. Mayer played in 13 games last season and caught 35 passes on 50 targets for 328 yards and one touchdown. Mayer makes for a good play in week 1 as the Raiders take on the Miami Dolphins in a home matchup. The Notre Dame product will look to maximize his value after receiving a lucrative deal and show that he is worthy of being paid as the No. 4 tight end on an annual basis.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Edwin Diaz Needs at Least One More Rehab Start
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed reliever Edwin Diaz (neck) needs at least one more minor-league rehab start before the Dodgers activate him from the 15-day injured list, manager Dave Roberts told Katie Woo of The Athletic. Diaz has had a disastrous first year in L.A., pitching poorly before missing a huge chunk of the season after he needed surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. The 32-year-old is now on the IL due to a neck injury, but he is nearing his return for the final stretch of the regular season in late September. Diaz has already appeared in three rehab games in the minors, allowing one run while walking four and striking out three in 2 2/3 innings pitched. Roberts already acknowledged that the Dodgers plan to ease Diaz back into their bullpen in lower-leverage situations after he returns from the IL, so there is little runway for him to become fantasy relevant before the end of the 2026 campaign. In only 13 2/3 innings for the Dodgers this year, the three-time All-Star has posted a rough 11.85 ERA (6.03 FIP) with seven saves, a 2.56 WHIP, and a 19:10 K:BB. He is now rostered in only 68% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Trevor Lawrence a Clear QB1 Against Browns
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence enters his Week 1 matchup with the Cleveland Browns as a high-upside fantasy option. The Browns defense was good last year, but no longer has superstar lineman Myles Garrett, so the unit should be more vulnerable this season. That means Lawrence has a great opportunity to start strong in year two in Liam Coen's offense. The former top pick has plenty of weapons at his disposal, including the emerging Parker Washington, and is coming off a fantastic finish last year. Lawrence was the overall QB1 in fantasy during the team's eight-game winning streak on the back of both his arm and his legs. If he can hit the ground running early in the game, Lawrence can pick up right where he left off from a fantasy perspective and dominate the Browns in Week 1. He should be viewed as a must-start in all formats.
Source: Trevor Lawrence RotoBaller
Source: Trevor Lawrence RotoBaller
Twins to Promote Outfield Prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez
The Minnesota Twins are calling up outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez to the major leagues on Saturday from Triple-A St. Paul, according to Milb Central. Considered the Twins' fifth overall prospect, Rodriguez earns the call to the big leagues this weekend after hitting .262/.414/.500 with a .914 OPS, 11 home runs, 33 RBI, 36 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 49 games across 220 plate appearances with the Saints this year. He could have an opportunity to see some playing time in the final couple of weeks of the 2026 season in Minnesota, although he most likely will not see everyday playing time, even though Byron Buxton will miss the rest of the year because of season-ending hip surgery. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound Rodriguez has played all three outfield positions in the minors and has impressive raw power from the left side of the plate. Rodriguez also has some nice plate discipline and should eventually get on base at a nice clip, but his swing-and-miss tendencies mean he probably will not help in the batting-average department. He is currently rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues and is unlikely to make a huge fantasy impact upon his big-league call-up.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Jesus Luzardo Scratched From Saturday's Start With Shoulder Stiffness
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo (shoulder) has been scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday against the division-rival Atlanta Braves due to stiffness in his left shoulder, according to Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Luzardo will avoid the injured list for now, and the Phillies are hoping to give him extra rest by pushing him back to next week. It does not appear to be a serious injury for the 28-year-old southpaw, but it is worth watching going into his next start, which is to be determined for now. Luzardo dealt with some stiffness in his shoulder in his last outing on Monday, which was a gem when he tossed a complete-game shutout with only two hits allowed, one walk, and 12 strikeouts against the Braves in a 1-0 win. If he is able to make his start next week, it will likely come against the division-rival Mets. Despite coming off an injury, Luzardo will be a must-start in fantasy leagues in that matchup in the fantasy postseason. Luzardo has been excellent in 2026 in his second year in Philly, going 14-5 with a 2.87 ERA (2.78 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with a career-high 221 strikeouts and 52 walks in 29 starts.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Lochlahn March
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Lochlahn March
Isaac TeSlaa a Risky Deep-League Wide Receiver Option in Week 1
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa had a strange rookie season in 2025. The 24-year-old logged just 16 catches and 27 targets across 17 games, but he averaged 14.9 yards per reception and scored six touchdowns on his limited looks. As a big-bodied wideout with excellent contested-catch ability, TeSlaa profiles as a downfield and red zone weapon. However, it may remain difficult for him to see consistent target volume as long as Lions wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams and tight end Sam LaPorta are healthy in 2026. In Week 1, TeSlaa and the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans featured a stingy pass defense last season, allowing the fifth-fewest total passing yards (3,336) and 12th-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.8) in the NFL. Detroit's offensive weapons around TeSlaa also enter the year fully healthy and ready to go. The second-year wideout carries some upside and is worth monitoring in deeper leagues, but fantasy managers should avoid starting TeSlaa in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
KJ Duff Delivers Big Again in Week 2 Loss
Rutgers wide receiver KJ Duff posted another big performance, but the Scarlet Knights still lost 28-21 to Boston College on Friday night. The wideout hauled in eight passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns. That followed a stellar outing in Week 1 against Massachusetts, when Duff had 196 yards and three touchdowns across nine receptions. He's been an elite college football fantasy wide receiver through two games, and more big showings could be in store. What's even more impressive with Duff's outings is that they've come in games with different starting quarterbacks, showing that the wideout can deliver big regardless of who is throwing the ball. The competition will get tougher when the Scarlet Knights hit Big Ten play, so Duff should be expected to keep delivering, as the team will likely need to pass a bunch to keep up with stronger opponents. That makes Duff a high-end fantasy wideout for now, and maybe the entire season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Lincoln Kienholz Posts Huge Performance in Week 2
Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz delivered big in the team's 59-13 win over Villanova on Friday night. He completed 16 of his 21 passes for 332 yards and two touchdowns, while avoiding an interception. Kienholz had 42 rushing yards and two touchdowns across six carries as well. Through two games now, the quarterback has completed 68% of his passes for 639 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, while rushing for 111 yards and three scores across 20 attempts. Kienholz is a rising fantasy asset as a result of his play in the first couple of weeks, and he should be a waiver wire pickup going into Week 3. His next chance to deliver again will be against 17th-ranked SMU next Saturday.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jake Bates a Must-Start Kicker in Week 1
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates put together a top-eight fantasy season in 2025, converting 27 out of his 34 field goal attempts and leading the NFL in both extra-point attempts (56) and makes (54). In their 2026 season opener, the Lions are set to host the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans was a mid-pack defense in terms of scoring in 2025, ranking 14th in the NFL in points allowed per game (22.5). However, the Lions enter the year nearly fully healthy on offense. On paper, Detroit could field one of the most dangerous scoring attacks in the league. Bates also won't have to deal with any weather conditions on Sunday while kicking inside the domed Ford Field. All in all, Bates profiles as a must-start kicker option in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jameson Williams a High-Upside WR2 Option in Week 1
Across 17 games in 2025, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams recorded 65 catches for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns on 102 targets. Williams got off to a slow start to the year, but he saw a significant uptick in target share after Lions tight end Sam LaPorta suffered a season-ending back injury in Week 10. LaPorta has returned heading into the 2026 season, which adds a layer of uncertainty to Williams' target outlook heading into the year. However, the 25-year-old drew positive reviews for his work in training camp, and his explosive ability down the field allows him to provide high-end fantasy production on a relatively low number of looks. In Week 1, Williams and the Lions will face a New Orleans Saints defense that allowed the fifth-fewest total passing yards (3,336) and 12th-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.8) in the NFL. Still, Williams should see his chances to make big plays in a Detroit passing game that forces defenses to protect against all areas of the field. Williams carries some risk, but he ultimately profiles as a solid WR2 option for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam LaPorta Looking to Kickstart Bounce-Back Campaign in Week 1
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had his 2025 campaign cut short after he suffered a season-ending back injury in Week 10. However, the 25-year-old is back to full health entering 2026 and profiles as a key piece in the potentially potent Lions passing attack. In Week 1, the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans fielded a strong pass defense in 2025, allowing the fifth-fewest total passing yards (3,336) and 12th-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.8) in the NFL. However, the team lost a key piece of its coverage unit against tight ends in linebacker Demario Davis, who signed with the New York Jets in free agency. Now that he's healthy, LaPorta has a chance to reclaim his status as the number two option in the Lions' passing game behind star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. All in all, LaPorta profiles as a solid TE1 option for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Amon-Ra St. Brown a Must-Start Wide Receiver in Week 1
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has established himself as one of the most reliable pass-catchers in the NFL, recording three consecutive seasons with at least 115 catches, 1,250 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. Entering 2026, St. Brown once again profiles to be the lead target-earner in a Lions passing game that projects to be a dangerous unit. In Week 1, Detroit will host the New Orleans Saints. The Saints fielded an underrated pass defense in 2025, allowing the fifth-fewest total passing yards (3,336) and 12th-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.8) in the NFL. However, the Lions' passing offense finished ranked third in total passing yards last season, and St. Brown projects as a strong bet to see 8-10 targets on Sunday. Heading into the season opener, St. Brown profiles as a high-end WR1 option for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trey McBride Kicks Off TE1 Campaign On Sunday
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride's success in 2025 made him not only the most productive player at his position, but one of the top receivers overall. McBride's 1,239 receiving yards ranked sixth in the NFL, and his 126 receptions trailed only league-leader Puka Nacua's 129. With Michael Wilson's rise in 2025 and Marvin Harrison Jr. healthy to start 2026, McBride might not reach the same season-long heights that he did last year, but he will still operate as Arizona's primary receiver and be a top option at tight end every week. His first game to make a mark is coming on Sunday against the Chargers. Los Angeles gave up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025, but McBride's role in the Cardinals' offense makes him a must-start in Week 1.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jacob Saylors Remains a Stash-Worthy Running Back in Week 1
Entering 2026, Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors appears poised to open the year as his team's RB2 behind superstar back Jahmyr Gibbs. Saylors appeared in 16 games for Detroit in 2025 but saw most of his action on special teams, recording just 11 rushing yards on two carries. However, with Lions running back Isiah Pacheco (back, knee) on Injured Reserve, Saylors will likely be the one to spell Gibbs when he needs a breather early in the season. In Week 1, Saylors and the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. The Saints were around league-average as a rush defense in 2025, ranking 19th in total rushing yards allowed (2,050). Still, while Saylors will likely see a few touches and some third-down snaps, he's unlikely to see a fantasy-relevant workload as long as Gibbs remains healthy. Saylors is worth rostering as a handcuff running back option, but fantasy managers should avoid starting him in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jahmyr Gibbs an Elite Running Back Option in Week 1
Entering 2026, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was widely viewed as the consensus 1.01 in fantasy drafts. The 24-year-old had a monster year in 2025, recording 1,839 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns on 320 touches across 17 games. Gibbs may be in line for an even larger role in the Lions' offense this season. The team traded away veteran running back David Montgomery over the offseason, and replacement RB2 Isiah Pacheco (knee, back) is on Injured Reserve to open 2026. In Week 1, Gibbs and the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. The Saints fielded a decent run defense in 2025, allowing the sixth-fewest total rushing touchdowns (12) and ranking 19th in the NFL in total rushing yards allowed (2,050). However, New Orleans lost a big piece of its defensive line earlier this summer when defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (knee) went down with a torn ACL. Gibbs should see plenty of touches as both a rusher and a receiver in Week 1 and profiles as a high-end RB1 option for fantasy managers against the Saints.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
